If you live in Eindhoven, you might have seen these posters (below) dotted in and around Eindhoven? They promote a monthly event called “EHV Innovation Café” that takes place at Kazerne Restaurant, Hotel and Gallery, located on Paradijslaan in Eindhoven. Some people who spotted then have turned up to one (or more) of our events and have been pleasantly surprised.
Little did they know, they have stepped into a vibrant community of critically engaged, intelligent individuals who discuss the future of cities and support start-ups who initiate interventions with a drive towards positive change. EHV Innovation Cafe connects people, design and technology to fuel transformation.
The founder, Annemoon Guerts, shares a vision of generating knowledge in the design and tech communities of Eindhoven and facilitating space for interactions between individuals to take place. Everyone is welcome to sign up and join the event (it is free to attend the talk) whether they are knowledgeable about the topic, or are here to learn.
We appreciate those who want to learn about innovation happening in the city and create a place for people to ask questions and make conversation. Recent topics, such as “building bridges in the city,” “low literacy and accessibility,” “gamification,” “carbon capture technologies,” “AI and health” and “local tourism” have been covered, presented by entrepreneurs, scientists, designers, academics and creatives who are generally locally based. And or course, we’ll have more exciting topics coming soon.
As an entrepreneur, this is an incredible group of people with whom to discuss my own startup, build a professional network and collaborate on potential projects. It is an inspiring place to meet like-minded individuals who are not only dreaming, but creating a better world.
The people who frequent Innovation Cafe attracts are intelligent, opinionated, and care about the future of the city. At each event, there is one speaker who comes from a technological background and one who has a design-orientated background, leading an inspiring conversation.
Next event:
On Thur., 22 May, Dispatches’ own Terry and Cheryl Boyd will be in dialogue with the Program Manager of Homewards, Renske Mehta, on the subject of “How to make a home away from home.” The topic relates to Eindhoven’s fast growing expat community, and ideas around how design and tech shape the experience of new arrivals in the the local ecosystem.
The doors open at 5:30 p.m. with drinks, followed by a moderated talk between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. From 7 p.m. onward, there is a networking moment at the bar with bites and plenty of discussion. At 8 p.m. there is the possibility for anyone to join the speakers for dinner.
The event is monthly, attracting regular attendees and building community.
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Read more about Eindhoven here in Dispatches’ archives.
Zoë Prifti
Zoë Prifti is a London-born, Eindhoven-based entrepreneur with a background in design. Zoë is new to writing. In her private practice, she works with fish leather and other organic matter under the broader theme of the circular economy.
